The commission cited fears that the compound could affect development and immune response in young children. The EU ban will come into effect during 2011.

John Dalli, Commissioner in charge of Health and Consumer Policy, said the ban was good news for European parents.

There has been concern over the use of BPA for some time, with six US manufacturers removing it in 2009 from bottles they sold in the US, although not other markets.

The chemical is widely used in making hard, clear plastic and is commonly found in food and drink containers.

A European Commission spokesman said the proposal had been approved after being presented to a committee of national government experts on Thursday - months earlier than scheduled - and approved.

The European parliament had called for the ban in June.